The Tyre Recovery Association (TRA) today launches is election manifesto for the reform of UK rules to protect the environment and save UK capability. With the general election campaigns in full swing, the TRA manifesto gives British political leaders a clear agenda for the new government to implement, whoever wins the vote.
UK tyre recycling is essential to achieving a circular economy and sustainable economic growth. Responsible tyre recyclers enable the recovery of key manufacturing materials in which Britain is resource poor and otherwise would be virgin material.
Responsible British operators have been increasingly frustrated and concerned that Britain’s rules are not being updated and change is not coming fast enough. Rogue operators continue to flourish while domestic capacity is underused. Statistics released by the Indian tyre manufacturers at the start of 2024 demonstrate how reliant the UK has become on exporting its environmental responsibilities. Six years ago, the government committed to ending the T8 exemptions regime, yet it continues and irresponsible tyre traders exploit the loophole.
Meanwhile export protocols are often ignored. Annex VIIs are not being properly followed through and completed, undermining the producer responsibility and good practice. At the same time producer responsibility schemes vary widely, with different national models which do not currently collect and report on all tyres on the market with any consistency. With the new EU Waste Regulations soon to come into effect, accelerating UK divergence from continental rules are expected to make the country a gateway to non OCEM markets. Industry insiders anticipate this scenario will be exploited by irresponsible operators happy to conduct business outside the fringes of the rules. An FOI confirmed the Environment Agency has carried out one prosecution in recent years, demonstrating a lack enforcement.
The TRA manifesto, released today, calls on the next British Government and future Environment Secretary to:-
Peter Taylor OBE, Secretary General of the TRA, said: “The new government has no time to lose. It now has a clear and necessary agenda to implement. Despite the clear benefits and significant opportunities for the UK to reduce its carbon footprint, addressing environmental damage and grow its circular economy, the UK needs much stronger policy support to empower the responsible operators, strengthen domestic resilience and cut the level of export.
“The UK tyre recycling industry, represented by the TRA, looks forward to meeting the new Environment Secretary as part of our continuing to work with DEFRA, the Environment Agency and the parliamentary committees scrutinising government progress.
“By implementing the vital reforms set out in the TRA manifesto we are launching today, we can all work together in order to further contribute to the goal of a creating a Circular Economy, safeguarding our environment, increasing producer responsibilities and reducing the export of CO2 emissions.”
